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UPSC Prelims 2025CSATGeneral Mental AbilityQuantitative Aptitude - Ratio & Proportion

Q45. 45. In a T20 cricket match, three players X, Y and Z scored a total of 37 runs. The ratio of number of runs scored by X to the number of runs scored by Y is equal to the ratio of number of runs scored by Y to number of runs scored by Z. Value-I = Runs scored by X Value-II = Runs scored by Y Value-III = Runs scored by Z

Which one of the following is correct?

A. Value-I < Value-II < Value-III
B. Value-III < Value-II < Value-I
C. Value-I < Value-III < Value-II
D. Cannot be determined due to insufficient data✓ Correct

Detailed Solution

✓ Correct Answer: Option D

We are given: 1. X + Y + Z = 37 2. X/Y = Y/Z => Y² = XZ (This means X, Y, Z are in geometric progression) We need to compare X, Y, Z. Since X, Y, Z represent runs, they must be positive integers.

Let's try to find integer solutions that satisfy both conditions: Consider the case where Y=12. If Y=12, then XZ = 12² = 144. We also need X+Y+Z = 37 => X+12+Z = 37 => X+Z = 25.

Now we need two numbers X and Z whose sum is 25 and product is 144. These are the roots of the quadratic equation t² - 25t + 144 = 0. (t - 9)(t - 16) = 0. So, t = 9 or t = 16. This gives two possible sets for (X, Z): * Set 1: X=9, Z=16.

Then (X, Y, Z) = (9, 12, 16). Here, X < Y < Z. * Set 2: X=16, Z=9. Then (X, Y, Z) = (16, 12, 9). Here, Z < Y < X. Since we found two valid sets of (X, Y, Z) that lead to different orderings of Value-I, Value-II, and Value-III, we cannot definitively determine the relationship between them.

Therefore, the answer is "Cannot be determined due to insufficient data". This question tests problem-solving with multiple variables and recognizing when a unique solution is not possible.

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